Nursing Home Sexual Abuse in the U.S., Part 2

Nursing home abuse is a serious epidemic in the United States; according to one study by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), between 7.6% and 10% of participants had experienced abuse in the previous year, and sexual abuse generally accounts for about 7% of all abuse-related complaints against nursing homes in the U.S.

Perpetrators may be caregivers, residents, or even strangers, and often target residents who have trouble communicating due to disability, memory loss, or even intimidation. Risk factors for nursing home sexual abuse include:

– Facilities with higher percentages of residents who have dementia generally have higher rates of abuse – Facilities with low staff-to-resident ratios also have higher rates of abuse – Facilities with histories of abuse and non-compliance are more likely to experience future problems – Most victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes are female

Physical signs of abuse may include:

– Blood on bedsheets, clothes, or linens – Bleeding, bruising, or infection in the genital area – Ripped, stained, or bloodied undergarments – Bruising near the thighs, breasts, or buttocks – Unexplained pain when sitting or walking

Behavioral signs of abuse may include:

– Fear or anxiety, especially near a specific person – Depression/suicidal thoughts – Changed sleep patterns, such as trouble sleeping or nightmares – Psychosomatic complaints, such as stomach-aches in men or headaches in women – Changes in expressed affection, such as sudden fear of being touched

If your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact Agruss Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals and their families. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, Agruss Law Firm, LLC is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

The information on this Web site is for general purposes only and should not be interpreted to indicate a certain result will occur in your specific legal situation. Information on this Web site is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.